Frequently asked questions

What is a Regular Boiler, Conventional or a Heat Only Boiler?

A Regular, Conventional or Heat Only Boiler will heat your central heating system ‘directly’ and produce hot water for use in your home from your cylinder, it heats the water in the cylinder ‘indirectly’ through a coil within. This typical type of system incorporates a boiler, external pump, controls center, diversion valves and water supply tanks. The hot water cylinder and heating are fed by two different cold water storage tanks that are usually located in the loft, the height of these tanks determines the amount of pressure in both your systems.

What is a System boiler?

A System boiler is a Regular, Conventional or Heat Only Boiler, however the pump and part of the controls are incorporated within the boiler itself. It will still heat your central heating system ‘directly’ and produce hot water for use in your home from your cylinder, it heats the water in the cylinder ‘indirectly’ through a coil within. This typical type of system incorporates a boiler with pump, controls center, diversion valves and water supply tanks. The hot water cylinder and heating are fed by two different cold water storage tanks that are usually located in the loft, the height of these tanks determines the amount of pressure in both your systems. Some system boilers can be pressurized directly from the water mains and will not have a supply tank, these will have a pressurized expansion vessel and pressure relief valve too.

What is a Combi boiler?

‘Combi’ is an abbreviation for ‘Combination’. The boiler itself produces heating and hot water for use around the house, all the controls, pumps and diversion valves are incorporated within the boiler and no hot water storage is required. The boiler runs directly off the mains water pressure giving the best possible water pressure out your taps, and therefore does not require any supply tanks. The combi boiler is far more efficient and occupies very little space in comparison to other types of boilers. To change a system over from a conventional type system to a combi system can be a costly exercise but will be recovered in a short time on efficiency.

What is a Condensing boiler?

The exhaust gases from a boiler contain a large amount of latent heat that would normally be released into the atmosphere and lost through the flue. A condensing boiler will condense the water vapour in the exhaust gases and use this latent heat. The boiler will have a condense discharge pipe that will discharge into a drain inside your house (preferred method) or outside. Prevention of freezing in winter of the discharge pipe must be taken if discharging outside. Condensing boilers can be regular, system, or combi boilers. These are the most efficient type of boilers.

How do I book a boiler service?

The best way to book your boiler service with J Child Mechanical is by calling us on 01462 413 413 (Option 1). We will then ask you a few questions about your boiler and agree on a suitable date/time for your service, whilst outlining a clear fixed-price that covers the call-out fee and labour. We will then arrive on time to complete the work and keep your boiler working safely, reliably and efficiently, whilst ensuring your warranty remains valid (as recommended by most manufacturers).

How often should I book a boiler service?

It is recommended that you have your boiler service annually to keep it working efficiently and reliably all year round. If your boiler has not had a service in the last year, or you’re not sure when yours is due, we recommend you get in touch with our team as soon as possible, and we can provide specialist advice.

What do I do if a water pipe bursts?

Suppose you've discovered a burst water pipe in your home. In that case, we advise that you immediately switch off your water supply and electricity, as well as removing any furniture or cherished belongings from the affected area to prevent damage. You should then call us immediately on 01462 413 413 (Option 1). Our Henlow plumbers can take you through the next steps and provide you with an arrival time for our team to repair the problem swiftly.

I suspect a gas leak, what should I do?

If you suspect a gas leak or can smell an odour that smells like sulphur or rotten eggs, immediately stop what you're doing and head outside of the building, leaving the doors and windows open to allow the gas to disperse as quickly as possible. It’s critical that you do not flip any electrical switches, unplug anything or use a telephone. Once outside, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Where do you provide plumbing services?

J Child Mechanical is a Henlow plumber, so we cover a wide range of areas in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire. We’re regularly called out for plumbing, gas and heating issues in Henlow and the neighbouring villages of Shefford, Clifton, Langford, Biggleswade, Hitchin and Stevenage. If you’re unsure whether we cover your area or wish to learn more about how we can solve your plumbing, heating, mechanical or gas issues, please call our friendly team today on 01462 413 413 (Option 1), or send us a message and we’ll be back in touch as soon as possible.

What do you charge?

We undertake most types of plumbing and heating jobs, so our prices vary depending on the task at hand. Therefore, it’s always best to call us if you’d like to request a free quote or require further information.

How do I get in touch with you?

Please call 01462 413 413 (Option 1), email info@jchildplumbing.co.uk or use our contact form